Learn how to fix common problems in drywall installation, such as nail pops, over sanding, overcuts and bubbled tape.

Tools

Materials

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Introduction

Drywall Repair Kits are available at most home improvement centers, and make repair jobs much easier. These kits offer you pieces that are cut to fit around standard electrical openings and to fill in small holes.

Apply Joint Compound to Mesh Tape

Cover Hole in Drywall with Joint Compound

Fix Overcuts

Cutting out electrical boxes may seem fairly straightforward, but overcuts can occur. If you are replacing an electrical box, and the drywall hole is too large for the new box, you can follow these same directions.

If you have overcut a drywall hole (Image 1), you will need to fill in the hole before finishing.

The first step is to measure a piece of mesh tape to fit over the hole (Image 2).

Using a knife, trim the mesh tape to the appropriate length (Image 3).

Apply joint compound to the mesh tape. The joint compound should fill all of the holes in the tape (Image 4).

Cover the area completely with the joint compound (Image 5). Let dry.

Apply a second coat to the area and feather into the wall. Let dry and sand smooth (Image 6).

Drywall damage can range from small cracks to large holes, but most repairs are easy and inexpensive to fix. We have six different ways to make the repair depending on the size, type and place of the damage.